The curtain has fallen on Dr. Gabriel Imomotimi Gbaingbain Okara, one of Nigeria’s foremost writers, poets and novelists.
Okara, an indigene of Bumoundi in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, died on Sunday March 24, 2019 at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa.
A life-long patron of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), he died at 98.
It was learnt that the literary icon was taking fresh air at his Yenagoa residence when he slumped about 4 p.m on Sunday.
A formal statement on his death is expected from the Okara family.
One of his most popular poems is Piono and Drums. Another famous poem written by Okara is You Laughed and Laughed and Laughed.
Already, Bayelsa State chapter of ANA has reacted to the death of the legendary Okara.
Mrs. Bina Ilagha, the state chairman of ANA in a statement, said, “the association is ruffled by the news because it came at a time when preparations are in top gear to celebrate his masterpiece, The Voice, at 55.
“We are saddened by the news, but are consoled that he left behind lofty legacies. Pa Okara, through his literary exploits put Bayelsa in the map of literary excellence.”
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Seriake Dickson, the Bayelsa State governor, has also mourned the death of Okara, describing his death as great loss to the state and Nigeria.
Dickson, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, has on Monday, stated that as a mark of honour, the state government had declared three days of mourning for the late Okara, beginning from Monday to Wednesday this week, with flags flying at half mast.
Dickson, who said that Okara was held in high esteem as a pride to the Niger Delta and indeed the African continent, added that it was in appreciation of his literary exploits that the government decided to name the state’s Cultural Centre in Yenagoa after him.
He said that Okara would be greatly missed by all lovers of literature and intellectualism, especially the young and upcoming writers.
The governor pointed out that Okara, reported to be the first renowned English Lanaguage black African poet, was very supportive of his administration’s educational policies and took time to attend some state events alongside other literary icons.
The governor assured that his government will support the deceased family to give the first African modernist writer who hails from the state a befitting burial.
